CyberWatch

CyberWatch 101
By Robert Genest, SSHOA Board Member

What is CyberWatch?

CyberWatch’s main mission is to prevent home burglaries in South Shores. It does this by bringing the old neighborhood watch system into the digital age. It is not a social media website. It is a responsive email link between us and the LAPD.

CyberWatch was created five years ago in response to a sharp increase in South Shores break-ins. This rise in burglaries resulted from a Federal mandate to reduce prison overcrowding. It soon became clear that South Shores residents had to either adapt to changing times or become the next burglary victims.

Since then, CyberWatch has grown steadily through word of mouth, from neighbor to neighbor. Today, over 400 South Shores homes participate in this vital community effort with more residents joining CyberWatch each month.

Is CyberWatch making a difference?

In 2013, there were 17 home burglaries recorded in South Shores. Thanks to CyberWatch,, home break-ins dropped to 3 the following year. Since then burglaries have ranged from 3 to 4 a year. This result would not have been possible without the increased vigilance of CyberWatchers and our strong partnership with the LAPD. Senior Lead Officer Elliot Rubright and Harbor LAPD Captain Michael Oreb have been our highly dedicated and effective LAPD contacts and allies in this past year.

How does CyberWatch work?

First, all CyberWatch members are notified immediately via email whenever a break-in occurs in South Shores. The information includes important details of the break-in. These details have taught us how burglars operate and how to better protect our homes.

Secondly, CyberWatchers email suspicious activity, individuals and vehicles to the Block Captain. These reports are immediately forwarded to key LAPD contacts for investigation and entry into the Burglary Division’s database. Then, license plate numbers are researched for the car’s registered owners, addresses and possible criminal records for LAPD follow up. Such reports have paid off several times. Of course, if a CyberWatcher observes a burglary in progress or about to take place, they should dial 911.

How can I join CyberWatch?

It’s simple. And, it’s free. Become a CyberWatch member and join this growing community effort. Just email the following information to CyberWatch23@gmail.com:

Your name

Address

Emergency telephone number

Email address

Your personal information will be kept confidential and used for emergency purposes only. It will not be shared with anyone without your permission. More CyberWatch members in our community means a safer South Shores for all of us to enjoy. Again, many thanks to all those CyberWatchers who have helped South Shores into safer harbor in 2016!

CyberWatch - A South Shores Welcome to Officer Elliot Rubright

Dear South Shores neighbors,

As most of you are aware, our Senior Lead Officer Eve Wight has been reassigned to the LAPD Metro division and has had to bid South Shores farewell, at least for now. We all wish her well and she will be greatly missed by our community.

We were very pleased to have the new acting Senior Lead Officer Elliot Rubright drop by the house last week to introduce himself. It was a very informative visit. It gave us the opportunity to get to know him a bit and to chat about South Shores specific needs and priorities.

CyberWatch's Bob Genest and Senior Lead Officer Elliot Rubright

Prior to LAPD, Officer Rubright was in the Marine Corps for 6 years and served two tours of duty in Iraq. He has been with the LAPD for 10 years, the last 9 at the Harbor Division. He is married with one daughter. He is currently working on his Master's degree in Public Administration.

In his off time, he likes to go the beach, hike, camp and fish.

Elliot says, "I am hoping to build a strong relationship with members of the community and getting to know them on a first name basis".

Both CyberWatch and the South Shores Homeowners Association are looking forward to building an effective working partnership with Officer Rubright in the very near future. He will continue in the same CyberWatch communications loop as Eve, his predecessor.